From the busy cities to the quiet beaches, Texas has so much to offer. If you’re looking for a quick day trip for the family, here’s our roundup of where to go!
New Braunfels, Texas
Driving Time: 1 hour
Located just 48 miles from Austin, New Braunfels is the perfect location for all ages. From floating down river in the warm weather months, to exploring underground caverns, New Braunfels is not your average Texas town.
For younger kids, McKenna Children’s Museum has interactive exhibits and hands-on learning in art, technology, science and so much more. For just $8 per person, it’s a great deal for hours of entertainment.
For an underground adventure, check out Natural Bridge Caverns. You can book one of the six types of cavern tours or try your hand at one of their above surface attractions like their twisted trail zip rails and rope course.
If you have an adventurous family, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch may be right up your alley. Book a safari tour or explore the 450-acre exotic ranch in your own vehicle. See wallabies, monkeys, emus, giraffes, and more up close and create an experience your family will never forget.
Once the weather heats up, try a two to four hour float down the lazy Guadalupe or Comal rivers. Turn up your waterproof speakers and pack some snacks for a chill day!
Speaking of hot weather days, Schlitterbahn is a Texas favorite. With scores of water slides, pools, and river rides, Schlitterbahn is a full day event. Enjoy the thrill of this resort adventure with your family!
Tubing in New Braunfels; photo by Heidi Okla
Johnson City, Texas
Driving Time: 1 hour
Located in central Blanco County, this hometown of Lyndon B. Johnson is also home to many state parks, zoos, museums, and more. Johnson city is only an hour drive from the heart of Austin, so hop in the car and see what this historic town has to offer!
Want to enjoy the beauty of nature with your family? Pedernales Falls State Park is a green Texas location to hike and swim to your heart’s content. Camping, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available if you bring your own equipment.
Just 10 minutes from the center of Johnson City sits a fun family adventure: the Exotic Resort Zoo! Enjoy a guided tractor ride to see all your favorite animals, pet some cute creatures over in the petting zoo, and check out the gift shop.
The Science Mill is all about creativity, discovery, and hands-on-learning for all ages. Move a ball with your brain waves or experience dinosaur VR. With over 50+ exhibits, The Science Mill is a children’s museum that offers hours of fun for the whole family.
Science Mill, photo by Jess Kilbane
Burnet, Texas
Driving Time: 1.5 hours
Burnet is home to Inks Lake and Longhorn Cavern State Parks — two state parks with so much to offer. Both include outdoor (or underground) activities that can make an awesome family day trip!
Inks Lake State Park offers year-round family fun for nature lovers. Swim, bluff jump, hike, and explore for hours in Inks Lake’ 800+ acre paradise. A great place for all ages and outdoor skill levels. Read about our experience at Inks Lake.
Whether your kids are aspiring geologists or you’re just looking for a new experience, Longhorn Cavern is so much fun. Listen to fascinating tales from your guide and descend 130 feet to explore this geological beauty. An event for all ages, Longhorn Cavern is one of the best family friendly activities out there.
Inks Lake, photo by Heidi Okla
Fredericksburg, Texas
Driving Time: 1.75 hours
Still grounded in its old German history, Fredericksburg is different from other Texas towns. This location has an array of activities for the whole family. Below are some stand out day-trip ideas to make your day pop!
If you are looking for a family hike, Enchanted Rock is your place. This mystical, granite dome sits 425 feet above it all. You’ll have so much fun climbing and hiking around! With hot summer days and the possibilities of weekend crowds, we suggest booking a reservation and adventuring in the mornings. Read about our own experience hiking Enchanted Rock with kids.
For a small town, Fredericksburg is also known for something you may not expect: shopping. With a number of antiques, cute shops, boutiques, and wineries, Fredericksburg has put itself on the map. Stroll and shop around town, eat food at great restaurants, and do it all with your family! Check here for more information on shop and downtown events.
For families and historical enthusiasts alike, the National Museum of the Pacific War is the place to be. Learn through hands-on exhibitions, games, tours, demonstrations, and more. Climb inside a fighter plane or watch a PG live portrayal of the war in the ‘combat zone’. This world-class institution accounts the sea stories of World War II.
Enchanted Rock, photo by Heidi Okla
Wimberley, Texas
Driving Time: 1 hour
Blue Hole in Wimberley is a naturally occurring swimming hole lined with cypress trees, making it a beautiful spot you won’t want to leave. Bring food for a picnic and a change of clothes because there’s so much to do! Recreational equipment like basketball and volleyball courts as well as a pavilion and amphitheater are available to visitors. Book your summer reservation early because they fill up!
Update: Jacob’s Well is closed for swimming and you can check for updates here.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area is known as one of the most significant natural geologic treasures in the Texas Hill Country, Jacob’s Well includes one of the longest underwater caves in Texas and is also an artesian spring. The well surges up thousands of gallons of water and acts as headwaters to Cypress Creek, which flows to the Blue Hole and the Blanco River. Note that reservations are required to swim during the summer season.
If you’re looking for small town charm, you can browse adorable shops at Wimberley Square, a quaint little area that includes a wide variety of charming shops and restaurants with great waterside views of Cypress Creek. You can spend hours strolling through shops offering locally-made jewelry, crafts, home decor, clothing, and much more. There are plenty of art galleries to pop into as well.
WImberley Square, photo by Heidi Okla
We hope you enjoy your day trips!
For more ideas about local getaways, browse the Texas Travel section of our website!
About the contribution author, Sela Kime:
My family and I have traveled to over 30 countries and most of the 50 states. After talking to many families and thinking back to the places I enjoyed as a younger kid, I have compiled a list of the best day trips for Austin families (within a do-able 2 hour driving time).
